Governor Asa Hutchinson was a Republican 2024 candidate for President of the United States. He served as the 46th Governor of the State of Arkansas.
Despite Governor Hutchinson’s decision to end his presidential campaign, we are grateful for his response to our Disability Presidential Candidate Questionnaire. Every Presidential Candidate needs to make disability rights a priority, and filling out our questionnaire is the first step!
- Disabled Leadership and Representation
What are you doing to ensure people with disabilities are a part of every level of your campaign team? If elected President, how will you include disabled people at every level of your Administration?
As President, I will ensure that individuals with disabilities are included and represented throughout my administration. This will involve targeted recruitment, creating accessible work environments, and involving disability experts in policymaking. My goal is to have an administration that truly reflects the diversity and abilities of all Americans, recognizing that our strength lies in our inclusivity.
- Protecting and Advancing Disability Civil Rights
What will you do to protect and strengthen the civil rights of disabled Americans?
As President, protecting the civil rights of disabled Americans will be a priority, including rigorously enforcing the ADA, and exploring opportunities to expand its scope. My administration will work closely with disability advocacy groups to identify and address any gaps in existing legislation. I will also use the bully-pulpit to increase public awareness about disability rights and to ensure all Americans feel represented. My administration will also make sure that government agencies are fully equipped and committed to upholding these rights.
- Right to Live in Community
What will you do to increase the availability of home and community based services?
What will you do to support the direct care workforce, including family caregivers, that provides home and community-based services to disabled people and older adults?
What will you do to increase the availability of affordable, integrated, and accessible housing for people with disabilities?
My administration will look at several ways to provide support for housing and workforce issues. Providing sufficient funding and support for home and community-based services will be a priority. We will also explore initiatives to support and expand the direct care workforce, including family caregivers, recognizing their crucial role in providing these essential services, including by working with states and local communities and leveraging public/private partnerships. And the development of affordable and accessible housing will be integrated into my administration’s broader housing policies to help facilitate independent and dignified living for people with disabilities in their communities.
- Voting Rights
What will you do to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to their fundamental right to vote?
How will you support states in ensuring their elections are accessible?
We will work with states, disability advocates, and election officials to identify and remove barriers to voting, ensuring every American can exercise their democratic right with ease and dignity.